Avalanche forecast

North Rockies

Mar 4 – 5, 2022Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Watch for unstable snow in steep wind-affected terrain and sun-exposed slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Wind slabs could still produce avalanches on leeward terrain features, especially near ridgetops.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–1.5

    Periods of sunshine could initiate wet loose avalanches on south-facing slopes. 

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy skies, light wind from the northwest, treeline temperatures drop to -12 C.

FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light wind from the northwest, treeline temperatures around -8 C.

SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light wind from the northwest, treeline temperatures around -10 C.

SUNDAY: Mostly sunny, light wind from the northwest, treeline temperatures around -6 C.

Confidence

Moderate -

Avalanche Summary

A few small (size 1) slab avalanches were triggered by skiers in the McGregors on Wednesday and there is evidence of a few size 1-2 snowmobile triggered avalanches at Renshaw from a few days ago. Recent slabs have beem 30 cm thick and mostly occurred on north and east facing slopes. A few small loose avalanches were also observed across the region over the past few days.

Snowpack Summary

Recent storm snow has settled into 10 to 30 cm of heavy powder at upper elevations and moist/crusty snow at lower elevations. This snow covers a variety of hard layers, including wind-affected snow on alpine slopes and sun crusts on south-facing slopes. The lower snowpack is generally strong and bonded.

Terrain and Travel

  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
  • Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with aspect and elevation.

Regions covered